The Bridge of the Legend – Sauveterre-de-Béarn loop from Aïcirits-Camou-Suhast

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The Bridge of the Legend – Sauveterre-de-Béarn loop from Aïcirits-Camou-Suhast

Hard

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The Bridge of the Legend – Sauveterre-de-Béarn loop from Aïcirits-Camou-Suhast

07:11

26.4km

390m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

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7.36 km

View of the Gave d'Oloron at Sunset

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Gave d'Oloron is the meeting of the Gave d'Aspe and the Gave d'Ossau. A nice view especially when the sun goes down!

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8.45 km

The legend :
Formerly called "Pont Maïor", then "Pont de l'Hôpital" (it came out near the hospital for pilgrims of Saint Jacques de Compostelle), the old fortified bridge is now called "Pont de la Légende" in reference to the legend attached to it.
"One thousand one hundred and seventy, it was a terrible year ...
Listen to the legend of the old Béarn bridge. "
In 1170, Sancie, viscountess of Béarn, resides in her castle in Sauveterre and awaits a happy event which brings joy to the whole country. However, her husband, the young viscount of Béarn Gaston V, was killed in Saracen land. At the moment when he goes "from life to death", Sancie gives birth to her child "deformed in his whole body" who dies from the first moments. Public malignancy then gives free rein:

"She killed her son by giving birth to him!"

Anger roars and reason wanders. The barons of Bearn and Sanche, King of Navarre and brother of Sancie, believe "that it can only be justified by being subjected to the test of water":

"O the terrible ordeal ...!"

The judgment takes place in the presence of "three thousand people" grouped around the fortified bridge. In a white dress, hands and feet tied, Sancie is then thrown into the furious waters of the Gave.

"The wave has closed to take away its prey ...,
Anguish embraces everyone and fills them with dread ...,
It was then that soon, in the foam of the waves,
A form arose raised by the waters:
At three arrows shots, it reaches the shore,
And everyone recognizes the painful face,
Then bursts the joy: Sancie is very much alive,
Sancie! Hallelujah! Sancie is innocent! "

Thank God, recognized innocent:

"She offered a coat covered with jewels,
Embroidered with long gold threads, to thank Mary,
And offered it to the Lady of old Roc-Amadour ... "

Source: amis-sauveterre.fr

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8.78 km

Bar "Au fil de l'eau"

Highlight • Other

This little bar on the Gave de l'Oloron beach serves small, delicious dishes for the hungry at lunchtime and in the evening! Especially with the view, we enjoyed the cold plate, which would also be enough for three people.

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8.95 km

Sauveterre-de-Béarn

Highlight • Settlement

Very pretty small town with a rich heritage. Its ramparts overlook the gave de Pau in a bucolic atmosphere. A medieval stop not to be missed!

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8.97 km

Pont de la Légende and Monréal Tower, Sauveterre-de-Béarn

Highlight • Bridge

Sauveterre is a “Castral Rescue”. From its origin in the 11th century, the city has been a place of refuge, it welcomes and protects the population by placing it under the direct protection of the viscount.

It was not until the reign of two great viscounts of Béarn (Gaston VII Moncade and Gaston Fébus) in the 13th and 14th centuries to see the city counted among the four main boroughs of Béarn. The pilgrims of Compostela from the year 1000 will also participate in the enrichment of this city on the way to Vézelay.

Located at the gates of Béarn, the city is endowed with impressive ramparts and defensive sites. Bridge, Tour Monréal, church, arsenal…, for the most part built on a rocky pile. Who would dare to blame Sauveterre?

It was in the 16th century that this beautiful story came to an end. Attacks by the Spaniards and wars of religion got the better of the city despite its impressive ramparts and thus ended Sauveterre's strategic role at the gates of Béarn.

Source: tourisme-bearn-gaves.com

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18.3 km